Economic Opportunity

Millions face barriers to education, skills, quality employment and affordable finance, limiting their access to opportunity. Those on lower incomes and furthest from the labour market face the greatest obstacles, while underserved businesses in disadvantaged communities struggle to access the capital needed to grow and create opportunity.

Our economic opportunity strategy

We’re seeking to grow the capital invested into a range of models that improve access to economic opportunity and build long term resilience by operating at the intersection of policy, social demand and investment opportunity. We aim to do this through investing ourselves while building the markets, structures and partnerships that allow others to invest with confidence

Teacher helping students develop digital skills in a classroom computer lab

Improving access to education, training and employment

Investing in outcomes-based approaches and technology enabled ventures that empower people to build skills over the long term and improve access to high quality jobs.

Enabling lending to underserved small businesses and social enterprises, particularly in disadvantaged areas

We help investors improve access to capital for small and growing businesses that cannot access traditional finance, including through blended finance.

Two people reviewing architectural floor plans while planning a residential housing design

Improving financial inclusion and resilience

Backing technology enabled ventures that help people manage their finances and access suitable financial advice, products or services that improves resilience, confidence and wellbeing.

3250+

Enterprises reached through our lending portfolio
65%

Of organisations receiving lending investment located in the most deprived areas of the UK
23%

Of total people reached through our venture portfolio supported via financial inclusion technology enabled ventures